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First Aid & Emergencies

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Bleeding Under Nail (Subungual Hematoma) Treatment

1. When to See a Health Care Provider

Go to an emergency room or call a health care provider immediately if:

  • The finger or toe is deformed. It may be broken.
  • A nearby joint was also injured.
  • More than a quarter of the nail is discolored or there is continuing, intense pain.
  • Signs of infection develop, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, or a red streak extends from the wound.

 

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2. Reduce Swelling and Pain

If less than a quarter of the nail is discolored and pain is manageable, home treatment may be enough.

  • For swelling, ice and elevate the area.
  • For pain, give over-the-counter pain medication.

 

3. Follow Up

  • If you seek medical help, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain blood and reduce pressure. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to treat injury.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on November 10, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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